Chengdu

๐ŸšŒ

Intercity Buses

Sections

1. Overview of Intercity Buses in Chengdu

Intercity buses in Chengdu are a popular and affordable way to travel to nearby cities and regions. They are especially useful for reaching destinations that are not served by high-speed trains or for travelers looking for more flexible schedules. The buses range from standard to luxury, with varying levels of comfort and amenities.

2. Main Intercity Bus Stations in Chengdu

Chengdu has several major bus stations, each serving different routes and regions. Below are the key stations:

a. Chengdu East Bus Station (ๆˆ้ƒฝไธœๅฎข็ซ™)

  • Location: Near Chengdu East Railway Station, in the eastern part of the city.
  • Routes: Serves destinations in eastern Sichuan, such as Suining, Nanchong, and Dazhou, as well as some long-distance routes to Chongqing and Hubei Province.
  • Access: Easily accessible via Metro Line 2 and Line 7.

b. Chengdu North Bus Station (ๆˆ้ƒฝๅŒ—้—จ่ฝฆ็ซ™)

  • Location: Near Chengdu North Railway Station.
  • Routes: Focuses on northern destinations, including Mianyang, Guangyuan, and Jiuzhaigou.
  • Access: Accessible via Metro Line 1.

c. Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station (ๆ–ฐๅ—้—จๆฑฝ่ฝฆ็ซ™)

  • Location: Central Chengdu, near Jinjiang District.
  • Routes: Primarily serves tourist destinations such as Leshan (home of the Giant Buddha), Emei Mountain, and Jiuzhaigou.
  • Access: Convenient for tourists staying in central Chengdu.

d. Chengdu Wuguiqiao Bus Station (ไบ”ๆก‚ๆกฅๆฑฝ่ฝฆ็ซ™)

  • Location: Eastern Chengdu.
  • Routes: Covers destinations in eastern Sichuan and long-distance routes to Chongqing and Guizhou.
  • Access: Accessible via Metro Line 4.

e. Shiyangchang Bus Station (็Ÿณ็พŠๅœบๅฎข่ฟ็ซ™)

  • Location: Southern Chengdu.
  • Routes: Serves southern destinations such as Yaโ€™an, Kangding, and other parts of western Sichuan.
  • Access: Accessible via Metro Line 3.

3. Popular Routes and Destinations

Here are some of the most popular intercity bus routes from Chengdu:

  • Chengdu to Leshan (ไนๅฑฑ): Approx. 2 hours. Frequent buses throughout the day.
  • Chengdu to Emei Mountain (ๅณจ็œ‰ๅฑฑ): Approx. 2.5 hours. Ideal for tourists visiting the sacred mountain.
  • Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou (ไนๅฏจๆฒŸ): Approx. 8-10 hours. Overnight buses are available.
  • Chengdu to Kangding (ๅบทๅฎš): Approx. 6-7 hours. A gateway to the Tibetan Plateau.
  • Chengdu to Chongqing (้‡ๅบ†): Approx. 4-5 hours. Frequent buses available.

4. Ticketing Procedures

a. Where to Buy Tickets

  • At the Bus Station: Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters in the bus stations. Be prepared to show your passport if you are a foreigner.
  • Online: Tickets can be booked through Chinese travel apps such as Ctrip (ๆบ็จ‹), Qunar (ๅŽปๅ“ชๅ„ฟ), or the official websites of the bus stations. Note that these platforms may require a Chinese phone number and payment method (e.g., Alipay or WeChat Pay).
  • Through Hotels or Travel Agencies: Many hotels and travel agencies in Chengdu can assist with booking intercity bus tickets, especially for popular tourist routes.

b. Ticket Prices

  • Prices vary depending on the distance, bus type, and destination. For example:
    • Chengdu to Leshan: Around CNY 50-70.
    • Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou: Around CNY 150-250.
    • Chengdu to Kangding: Around CNY 120-180.
  • Luxury buses with more comfortable seating may cost slightly more.

c. Payment Methods

  • Cash is accepted at ticket counters.
  • Digital payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used but may require a Chinese bank account.
  • Credit cards are generally not accepted.

5. Schedules

  • Intercity buses in Chengdu typically operate from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though some long-distance or overnight routes may depart later.
  • Buses to popular destinations like Leshan and Emei Mountain run frequently, with departures every 20-30 minutes.
  • For less common routes, buses may only run a few times a day, so itโ€™s advisable to check the schedule in advance.

6. Practical Tips for Using Intercity Buses in Chengdu

a. Arrive Early

  • Arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for ticket collection, security checks, and boarding.

b. Bring Your Passport

  • Foreigners are required to present their passport when purchasing tickets and boarding the bus.

c. Luggage

  • Most buses have luggage storage compartments. Keep valuables with you in a small bag.

d. Language Barrier

  • Staff at bus stations may not speak English. Itโ€™s helpful to have your destination written in Chinese characters. For example:
    • Leshan: ไนๅฑฑ
    • Jiuzhaigou: ไนๅฏจๆฒŸ
    • Emei Mountain: ๅณจ็œ‰ๅฑฑ

e. Food and Water

  • Bring snacks and water, especially for long-distance routes, as rest stops may have limited options.

f. Rest Stops

  • Long-distance buses typically stop every 2-3 hours for restroom breaks and food. Be mindful of the time and return to the bus promptly.

g. Weather Considerations

  • If traveling to mountainous areas like Jiuzhaigou or Kangding, be prepared for sudden weather changes and altitude differences.

h. Safety

  • Intercity buses in China are generally safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded stations.

7. Cultural Considerations

  • Politeness: Itโ€™s customary to greet the driver and fellow passengers with a nod or a smile.
  • Queuing: Chinese bus stations can be busy, and queuing may not always be orderly. Stay patient and assertive.
  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited on buses, but you may encounter passengers smoking during rest stops.

8. Alternatives to Intercity Buses

If you prefer other modes of transportation:

  • High-Speed Trains: Faster and more comfortable for destinations like Leshan, Chongqing, and Mianyang.
  • Private Cars or Tours: Ideal for remote or hard-to-reach areas.

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate Chengduโ€™s intercity bus system with ease. Safe travels!